Stephen Jones: Jaylon Smith is “definitely going to be a big contributor for us”

Ever since the Dallas Cowboys made Jaylon Smith the 34th overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, fans have been praying that he’d one day see the field. Those same fans who have patiently awaited Smith’s debut were filled with hope last week, when Smith practiced with his teammates for the very first time.

Now Cowboys Executive Vice President and COO Stephen Jones is giving fans even more reasons for excitement.

Speaking with “Game Night” on KESN-FM in Dallas on Friday, Jones told hosts Clarence Hill and Tim MacMahon that the team has high confidence in Smith’s ability to play and make an impact in 2017.

“Where he sits today, I think he’s definitely going to be a big contributor for us,” Jones said. “When you look at what our medical people believe and what they think ultimately is going to happen, he should only improve each day.”

Jones says the Cowboys have been encouraged by the steady improvement Smith is making in his rehabilitation.

“As we watch him every day he gets more and more nerve function to the lower part of his leg and foot. What we see out there, watching him move around [and] gain confidence as he moves forward, is certainly encouraging.”

So does that mean Jaylon Smith could one day regain his form that led many to call him a top 5 player in the 2016 draft?

“Absolutely,” Jones remarked. “You don’t know when that’s all going to come together, but it’s certainly possible. We certainly haven’t ruled that out. At the same time, what we’re seeing today from Jaylon, and what he’s all about, is something that can help us out as it sits today.”